Such a Pretty Girl by Laura Wiess

First, I realize it has been over a week since my last post... in which I was apologizing for not posting anything the week before. So, sorry again... but I'm back on track now. Really. I mean it this time.

But about Such a Pretty Girl...

My opinion of MTV press has been raised once again*.

Such a Pretty Girl is the story of an almost unimaginable situation. Meredith's father is a convicted child molester, who molested not only his daughter, but several other children in their town. He had been sentenced to 9 years in prison (in which time Meredith would be an adult, and out of the house), but is about to be released after serving only 3 years.

Meredith's mother is in complete denial. She persists in believing that her husband simply made a mistake and continues to hope that they can "be a family" again, going so far as to even buy him a condo in the same neighborhood. Meredith's only real source of support is her neighbor/boyfriend (who was also molested by her father years earlier), but he has his own demons to deal with as well.

This intense novel is a little bit like a made-for-TV movie (or an episode of Law and Order: SVU**), in that it is completely engrossing and keeps the reader on the edge of his/her seat. But, like a made-for-TV movie, some of the plot points are just a little too convenient (like the boyfriend who was also molested and the retired cop who just happens to live in the same condo complex).

But I would still highly recommend this, though it is definitely for older readers due to the dark themes. (And on that note, I read somewhere that this was being marketed as an adult novel, but my library has it shelved in YA... anyone else?)

*See also The Pursuit of Happiness

**And that is intended as a compliment. SVU is easily one of the best shows on television today.